Vincent W. S. Trippett, D.D.S., is successfully engaged in the practice of dentistry in Princeton, where his well equipped office, furnished with all modern appliances known to the profession, and his skill and ability, enable him to give to his patrons the most efficient service. He is one of the native sons of Gibson County, born April 30, 1867. His parents were Alex, and Betsy (Phillips) Trippett, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Indiana. They were married in Gibson County, and their union was blessed with three sons and two daughters. The father was twice married and by the first union had one son and two daughters. He was a thrifty farmer and stock-raiser, a Democrat in politics and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His widow, sixty-eight years of age, is still living on the farm north of Princeton. She also holds membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Doctor was reared at the old homestead, and in the common schools acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the Central Normal College of Danville in 1887-8. The following winter he taught school, and the next year entered a business college in Lexington, Kentucky, where he was graduated in 1889. His professional education was acquired in the Hospital School of Dental Surgery in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was graduated in June, 1892, after which he located in Princeton. His practice has steadily grown, and he has now a patronage which many and older member of the profession
might well envy. In 1893 Dr. Trippett led to the marriage alter Miss Annie E. Cox, of Wadesville, Indiana, and they have a bright little daughter, Margerie. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and the Doctor belongs to the Tribe of Ben Hur. His political support is given to the Democracy.

R. N. Chappelle, principal of the Patoka schools, was born in Pike County, Indiana, November 1, 1868, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this state. His great-grandfather came from North Carolina to Indiana at a very early day, and the grandfather, Stephen Chappelle, was born in an old block house in Petersburg. His father, Captain W. E. Chappelle, was born in Pike County, sixty-two years ago, and has spent his entire life as an agriculturist. As commander of Company I, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, he won his title, and among the valiant boys in blue he was numbered. He married Elizabeth Case, daughter of Washington Case, and they became parents of nine children - McL., postmaster of Minden, Nebraska; Stephen R., of Minden; Austin M., of Algiers, Indiana; William F., of Arkansas; James L., of Illinois; Carrie E., wife of Perry Anderson, of Dubois County, Indiana; Maggie A., wife of Lewis Taylor, of Pike County; and Frederick E., of Algiers. On his father's farm Professor Chappelle spent his boyhood and his elementary education, acquired in Petersburg, Indiana, was supplemented by study in the United
States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. At the age of nineteen he began teaching in Pike County. The following year he taught in Gibson County, and in 1891 was employed in the Princeton schools. Since 1892 he has been principal of the Patoka schools, and has raised them to a high standard of excellence. Among the efficient educators of Southern Indiana he is numbered, his ability gaining him marked prestige. Professor Chappelle was married in Gibson County, September 10, 1895, to Alda, daughter of Andrew Cunningham, and they have one son, Charles R. Mr. Chappelle belongs to the Order of Red Men,
and is senior deacon in the blue lodge of Masons.

John R. McCoy, a well known attorney of Princeton, was born in Spencer County, Indiana, September 15, 1852, and is a son of Clark and Asa (Lockhart) McCoy. His father was also a native of Spencer County, and a son of James McCoy, a native of Ireland. The mother was born in Indiana, and in her family were five sons and one daughter, John R. being the eldest. He spent his early boyhood days on the farm and early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturists. During the winter season he attended the district schools, and at the age of seventeen he entered Hartsville College. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, but the following year resumed his studies in Hartsville College, which completed his literary education. For six years he was numbered among the successful teachers of Spencer
County, and afterward engaged in teaching for two years in Gibson County, where he located in 1879. In the meantime he took up the study of law, which he diligently pursued and in 1880 was admitted to the bar, but did not begin practice until August of the following year. For nine years he was alone in business, and his thorough understanding of the law, his able advocacy of a trust committed to his care and his devotion to his clients' interests soon won him a large practice. In December, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McCoy and Miss Carrie E. Craig, of Princeton. They have two children - Bessie E. and James Royal. The parents are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and in his political views Mr. McCoy is a staunch Republican. His careful and painstaking preparation of cases, his ability to quickly recognize
the strong points of a cause and his clear and logical reasoning have won him marked prestige as a member of the Gibson County bar.

James E. Toops is a worthy representative of the commercial interests of Gibson County, and belongs to that class of enterprising citizens, who are the glory of our American republic, for their well spent lives, their energetic efforts and reliable business methods bring to them the prosperity which should ever reward honest toil. Mr. Toops is a native of the Hoosier State, his birth having occurred in Floyd County, on the 11th of August, 1867. In pioneer days his people came to this state and his parents, James and Rebecca (Wright) Toops, were both natives of Indiana. They had a family of six sons and one daughter. When the
subject of this review was about eight years of age his parents removed to Edwardsport, Knox County, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood, remaining at home until twenty-one years of age. In the common schools he received a fair English education, and in his father's store learned business methods and customs, so that he was well fitted for entrance into commercial life. On attaining his majority he came to Fort Branch and began business as a dealer in poultry and eggs. He entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, B. F. Murphy, and the relations has since been continued, business being conducted under the firm name of Toops & Co. They also conduct a branch house at Princeton, and are doing a large and profitable business, which is constantly increasing. In 1888, Mr. Toops led to the marriage alter Miss Mattie Montgomery, of Edwardsport, Indiana, and they have two children - Roger L. and Mary F. Mr. Toops is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodsmen of America. In politics he is a Republican, and is a man of unquestioned integrity, who in business and social circles is held in the highest regard.

J. W. Steelman, a leading and influential farmer of White River township, was born July 20, 1853, and was the sixth child of John W. and Elizabeth (Hinkle) Steelman. His paternal grandfather was of English birth, but his parents were probably Welsh. Their emigration to America was followed by their immediate settlement in Ohio, where some of their descendants still reside. The maternal grandfather of our subject was John Hinkle, who emigrated from the Keystone State to Ohio, and thence to Indiana. John W. Steelman, the father, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, seventy-four years ago, and in 1863 removed from Clark County, that state, to Gibson County, where his remaining days were passed. During his long life he was an industrious, useful and thrifty citizen. In his youth he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed much of the time until his removal to Indiana. He has a wide acquaintance, and all who knew him respected him for his sterling worth. Mr. and Mrs. Steelman were the parents of the following named children: Rebecca, wife of Frank Barnes; Catherine, wife of Aaron Wayne, of Clark County, Kansas; Phoebe, wife of Reuben Sibert; William, who married Ellen Robb, and is now deceased; Amanda, deceased; Mark; Mary, who has also passed away; Henry; Fannie, wife of William McFetridge; Ellen; and
Dora, wife of Alex Hinkle. Mr. Steelman whose name introduces this sketch, began his education in the common schools of Ohio, and completed it in School District No. 4 of White River township. On the 15th of September, 1875, he married Miss Caroline Knaub, daughter of Norman and Caroline (McCartney) Knaub, both of whom are now deceased. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, died September 8, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Steelman are the parents of seven children - Eva, who died at the age of two years; Fred, Frank, Fern, Mary, Arthur and Lulu. Mr. Steelman is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Odd Fellows' Society, and also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. His entire life has been devoted to farming and in his undertakings has met with a fair degree of success, resulting from his enterprise and diligence.

Hon. William M. Land, the Nestor of the Gibson county bar, is one of the most prominent jurists in Southern Indiana, and no history of this section of the state would be complete without a record of his life. He was born in Gibson County, August 28, 1827, a son of Abraham and Sarah Ann (Edwards) Land. His father was born in Chester district, South Carolina, in 1781, and the grandfather, Joseph A. Land, was native of the same state, and of German lineage. He spent his entire life in South Carolina, and served as a colonel in the Colonial army during the war of the revolution.

Abraham Land was a soldier of the war of 1812. He married in Tennessee, and in 1827 came with his wife on horseback to Indiana, locating in Johnson township, Gibson County. Mrs. Land was a daughter of William Edwards, who was born in
North Carolina of Welsh parentage, and was also one of the heroes of the war for independence. She was born in Roann County, North Carolina, in 1806, and became the mother of four sons and four daughters, of whom seven are living, although our subject is now the only resident of Indiana. The father was a cooper by trade, but became the pioneer miller of Gibson County, devoting his life to milling, although he made his home on a farm. For many years he served as Justice of the Peace, and had the high regard of all who knew him. His death occurred in 1844, and his wife passed away in 1864.

William M. Land began his education in the primitive log school house of the time and through his boyhood attended the common schools near his home. In January, 1848, at the age of twenty, he enlisted for service in the Mexican war as a member of Company I, Fourteenth United States Infantry, continuing with that command until honorably
discharged in August, 1848. After his return home he attended school for a time and then engaged in teaching for twelve years. He also followed farming. Being the eldest of eight children he assumed the management of the home farm at his father's death, although only sixteen years of age, and was the mainstay and support of the family until the children reached maturity.

From early life, Mr. Lane has been called upon to serve in positions of public trust. From 1853 until 1860 he served successively as township assessor, county commissioner and township trustee, and while acting in the last named office was instrumental in erecting the first frame school houses in the township. Not long after his return
from the Mexican war he took up the study of law and in February, 1857, was admitted to the Gibson County bar, of which he is now the oldest living member. In 1864 he removed to Princeton, where he has since engaged in successful law practice. He has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the science of jurisprudence, and in his argument of a case rests more upon the clear, decisive truth and logic than upon oratorical effects. His devotion to his client's interests is proverbial, and his preparation of a case is thorough and painstaking. Probably as many as nine different members of the bar have studied under him, including his present partner.

Judge Land has served as deputy district attorney, also as city attorney for Princeton. In 1868 he was elected a member of the Board of Education, and during his term the first brick school house of Princeton was erected. In July, 1872, he was appointed to fill the unexpired term as judge of the common pleas court for the first district of Indiana, composed of Gibson, Vanderburgh, Posey and Warrick Counties. He has served as special judge of the Circuit Court on several different occasions in Gibson, Knox, Pike and Warrick Counties, and has acted as judge of the Vanderburgh Superior Court. Few of the cases tried by him have ever been appealed and none have been reversed in the higher courts. Few can boast of a similar record and it is one which plainly indicates his superior ability.

In 1850 Judge Land married Sarah E. J. Harmon, of Posey County, who died in 1888. Of their six children five are living. Judge Land has always been a warm friend of education, has largely
promoted the interests of the schools in Gibson County, and has in many ways contributed material aid to public enterprises. In 1868 he became a member of the Odd Fellows Society and is past grand of the order. He voted with the Democracy in early life, and from 1862 until 1884 supported Republican principles, but for the past twelve years he has been a prohibitionist. For thirty years he has been numbered among the ardent advocates of the temperance cause, and since 1857 has been a faithful member of the Baptist church.

George C. Gorman, son of Colonel George W. Gorman, was born at Owensville, Indiana, July 15, 1852; was reared in his native town; there attended school and later spent two years in the State University of Indiana; was associated with his father in business for many years; taught school; became associated with his brother, John C. Gorman, two years ago, since which time he has been assistant editor of the Princeton Democrat.

David F. Embree completed his collegiate education at the Asbury University, and studied law under the direction of his brother, James T. Embree. He enlisted in the Forty-second Indiana Regiment of Volunteers and remained in the service three years, arising to the rank of Captain of Company E of the regiment. After the close of his war service he attended the Albany (N.Y.) law school for one year. In 1865 he graduated from the law school of the University of Michigan, and immediately began the practice in partnership with his brother, James T. Embree at Princeton. He arose to distinction in his profession, became a very successful practitioner, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of a wide acquaintance for many years. His death occurred in 1877. He married Mary Fleming, who bore him the following children: Anna F. and
Charles F.

Sylvester Selby, a farmer and stock dealer of Gibson County, was born in Pike County, Indiana, on the 7th of June, 1855, and is one of the nine children of Jerry A. and Ella (Hardin) Selby. The mother died on the 24th of February, 1874. No event of special importance occurred during the childhood and youth of Sylvester Selby, who was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, early becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools. He came to Gibson County on the 2nd of August, 1877, and engaged in farming and stock dealing, which he has since continued. He owns here a valuable tract of land of two hundred and fifty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields returning to him a golden tribute for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He raises good grades of stock and in all his dealings he is known as a man of the utmost reliability. On the 17th day of April, 1877, Mr. Selby was united in
marriage to Miss Ida Sullivan, a daughter of Archie Sullivan, of Evansville, and they now have one child, born on the 2nd of February, 1878. Mr. Selby is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His political support is given the Republican party, but he has had neither time nor inclination for public office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests, which being well conducted along honorable lines has brought to him a comfortable competence.

Lucius C. Embree, son of James T. Embree, deceased, was born in Princeton September 8, 1853. He first attended the public schools of Princeton, then Earlham College, and then completed a one year's course in Asbury University. He took up the study of law under the guidance of his uncle, David F. Embree, in 1873, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. In the fall of the following year, Mr. Embree entered the University of Virginia, and there completed a law course in 1877, and then returned to Princeton, where he has since practiced his profession with gratifying success. He has an excellent knowledge of the law, and possesses
ability to clearly and forcibly present his knowledge both with the pen and as a speaker. Mr. Embree has done some literary work, which has been well accepted. In 1880 he married Luella Casey, the daughter of the late William J. Casey, who was once Auditor of Gibson County. The marriage has given issue to four children, viz., James Casey, Morton Casey, Louise and Clotilde. Fraternally, Mr. Embree is a Master Mason, and in politics a staunch Republican.

John C. Gorman, editor and proprietor of the Princeton Democrat, was born and reared at Owensville, Indiana. His birth occurred December 12, 1866. His father was Colonel George W. Gorman, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.

He was educated in the schools of Owensville; began his newspaper career there at the age of fifteen years; worked as a printer, there and elsewhere, up to 1888, in which year he established the Owensville Gleaner, a paper which he successfully published, weekly, up to February, 1895, when he sold it. In March, of that year, Mr. Gorman purchased the Princeton Democrat, which he has since continued to issue. It is both a daily and semi-weekly paper, and is ably edited. In 1891, Mr. Gorman married Miss Mary McGinnis, who passed to her final rest in December of 1896,
leaving three children. Mr. Gorman is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally a member of the Knights of Pythias order.

James A. Sprowl, justice of the peace of Patoka township, and a well known citizen of Princeton, was
born in that township, July 28, 1840, a representative of one of its pioneer families. His father, John O.
Sprowl, came from South Carolina, his native state, to Gibson County in 1833. He died here in 1841, at the
age of twenty-seven years. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret McClellan, and after the death of her first husband she married James Wilson. The Sprowl family is of Irish origin, having been founded in
America by John Sprowl, the grandfather of our subject, who emigrated from his native land to South Carolina, and spent his remaining days there. James A. Sprowl was reared and educated in his native county. During the war he joined the boys in blue, of Company B, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, but was discharged from that regiment at Bowling Green, Kentucky, on account of physical disability. In January, 1865, he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment, and was stationed at Clarksville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In September, 1865, he was mustered out and returned home. He was a loyal and devoted soldier, who well deserves his country's praise and gratitude. For seven years after the war Mr. Sprowl engaged in farming, and in 1872 removed to Princeton, where he engaged in teaming for several years. He was then elected Constable and after six years' service in that capacity was appointed deputy sheriff by Mr. Chambers. He also served in the same position during the incumbency of Sheriff McGary. In March, 1891, he was appointed Justice of the Peace, in the fall of 1894 was elected to that office for a four years' term, and is now acceptably serving in that capacity. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, deeply interested in the success of his party. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Sprowl married Martha L., daughter of John K. Crow. Their children are John O., Carrie M., wife of George L. Taylor; George M., Charles O., Nellie M., and James A.

Hon. Wodfin D. Robinson is a man of scholarly attainments, whose thorough understanding of the science of law and its application to all points in litigation has won him a foremost position at the bar of Southern Indiana. He was born in DeWitt County, Illinois, January 27, 1857, a son of James A. and Louisa (Benson) Robinson. His father, now a resident of Gibson County, was born in Warren County, Kentucky, in 1826, of Scotch-Irish descent, and has made farming his life work. His wife was born in this county, and is now in her sixty-first year. Her father, William Benson, was a native of Kentucky, and was of Irish lineage. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and soon after became one of the pioneers of Gibson County.

Mr. Robinson is one of a family of three sons and five daughters. He was nine years of age when his
parents came to Gibson County, locating near Owensville. His early scholastic training was received in the country schools and later he attended the high school of Owensville, where he prepared for admission into the University of Indiana. He matriculated in that school in 1875, and in June, 1879, was graduated. The following year he taught school in Cynthiana, Indiana, and for two years had charge of the Owensville schools, after which he spent a spring and summer term in the Law school of the University of Virginia. In the fall of 1882, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in March, 1883, and was immediately admitted afterward to the bar in Gibson County. This was
followed by his election to the office of county superintendent of schools in this county, and he rendered efficient service to the educational interests during a four years' term. On the expiration of that period he began the practice of law, in which he has been very successful, and in 1889 he entered into partnership with Hon. A. P. Twineham, since which time the firm of Twineham & Robinson has been recognized as one of the strongest in Southern Indiana. In 1884, Mr. Robinson married Miss Jessie, daughter of T. J.
Montgomery, M.D., of Owensville. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in politics has always been a stalwart Republican. In 1894 he was elected on that ticket to represent Gibson County in
the General Assembly, and as a legislator made an enviable record. Although only thirty-five years of age he was a recognized leader of the house and served as chairman of the judiciary committee. His power of analysis and clear reasoning which have made him a distinguished jurist, were also manifest in the assembly, and he was known as one of the ablest debators on the floor. Since June, 1885, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the State University. In the fall of 1896 he became the nominee of his party for judge of the Appellate Court of Indiana, and was elected to this important State office, for a term of four years.

Mr. Robinson is the author of a work entitled "Indiana County and Township Officers, Board of Commissioners," which was issued in 1893, and is now being revised by him for a second edition. He has always been a close student, is a man of broad general information, a fluent writer and a ready and entertaining speaker. His career as a lawyer, politician and statesman is enviable and above
approach, and in all probability the future holds in store for him still higher honors.

Hon. Clarence A. Buskirk, whose ability as a lawyer and eloquence as a speaker have won for him an enviable reputation at the Gibson County bar, has maintained his residence in Princeton since 1866. There is no calling which demands the exercise of individual talent more than the legal profession; its members must depend entirely upon their own merit, and he who attains prominence at the bar is the one whose energy, fidelity and knowledge have been the stepping stones on which he has risen. Mr. Buskirk to-day stands in the foremost rank among the leading lawyers of Southern Indiana, and his devotion to his client's
interests is proverbial.

He was born in the village of Friendship, Alleganey County, New York, a son of Andrew C. and Diantha (Scott) Buskirk, natives of Steuben County, New York, and New Hampshire respectively. The father was of Holland Dutch descent, and the family name was originally Van Buskirk. The mother was of Scotch and Irish lineage. Andrew Buskirk engaged in merchandising in Friendship and also followed farming. His son, the subject of this review, was reared in the paternal home and early
began work on the farm. His elementary scholastic training was received in the Friendship Academy, after which he pursued a collegiate course in Alfred, New York. His mother's death occurred when he was seventeen years of age and he soon started out in life for himself. At the age of eighteen he went to Kalamazoo County, Michigan, where he taught school for five winters and in the meantime studied law at Kalamazoo. His preparation for the bar was completed in the law department of the University of Michigan and in 1865, at the age of twenty-three, he was licensed to practice. The following year he came to Princeton, where he soon rose to prominence in his profession. In 1872 he was elected to represent Gibson County in the general assembly of 1873; in 1874 he was elected attorney general for Indiana, and in 1876 was re-elected serving for four years in that important position. His superior ability and his fidelity to duty won him high commendation, and on his retirement from office he resumed the private practice of law, having now an extensive clientage. He has no superiors and few equals at the bar of Southern
Indiana. His love for his profession, his thorough preparation of cases and his logical reasoning, combined with superior oratorical powers make his briefs and arguments most convincing. On the political and lecture platforms he is also an earnest and entertaining speaker, who by his strong appeals to the intellect of his hearers win their adherence to the cause which he advocates. For about ten years Mr. Buskirk has been largely interested in the cultivation of fruit, and is the pioneer of commercial orcharding in Gibson County.

Mr. Buskirk was married in 1867 to Amelia, daughter of William H. Fisher, of Gibson County,
and their home is blessed with three children -- Ella, Zelia and Agnes.

Elisha Embree was a native of Lincoln County, Kentucky, born September 28, 1801. He was the son of Joshua and Elizabeth Embree. Joshua Embree was a native of Kentucky, and his wife, whose maiden name was Edmonson, was a native of Virginia. Joshua Embree and family came to Gibson County in the month of November, 1811; and settled on a tract of land about two and a half miles southwest of the present site of Princeton. It was a densely timbered district in which the settlement was made, and here was erected a cabin for the shelter of the family, and a small farm was cleared. Joshua Embree was a member of the
Baptist church and his wife of the Christian church. He lived only about two years after coming here. His widow subsequently married a Mr. Spencer, and lived in the county until her death, which took place June 24, 1829. On the death of his father, Elisha Embree was obliged to labor hard toward the support of himself and family. His early educational advantages were limited. What education he did gain was such as the district schools of that early period afforded. He read law with Judge Samuel Hall, and began practicing in Princeton in 1826. He soon arose to prominence and for many years was a leader in public life. He was eminently successful as a lawyer; was an able and eloquent advocate; a wise and practical
counselor, and universally respected. In 1833, he was a member of the State Senate, and in 1835 was elected judge of the Circuit Court. He served ten years in this judicial position. In 1847 he was elected to Congress from the First Congressional District, defeating the Hon. Robert Dale Owen, and being the first Whig ever elected in this district.

On the 15th day of March, 1827, he was married to Eleanor Robb, the daughter of Major David Robb, the pioneer of the Robb family in Gibson County. Unto the marriage six children were born, viz: Maria Louisa, James T., Ophelia (died in infancy), Ophelia Elizabeth (died in infancy), David F. and Milton P.

When the civil war came on Elisha Embree was advanced in old age. He was a strong Union man and aided and encouraged the enlistment of troops, and his three sons entered the army.

Colonel George W. Gorman was a native of New Haven, Connecticut. His birth occurred July 26, 1825, and his death at Owensville, Indiana, in 1887. He came west early in life and learned the printer's trade, which he was following at Evansville, when he enlisted in the Mexican War, in which he served as Sergeant. For a while after the close of that military struggle, he was foreman of the Evansville Journal. In 1849 he married and settled at Owensville, Indiana, where he continued his place of residence until death. He married Mar. A. McQuade, and became the father of the following children: James U., deceased; George C.; Agnes, deceased; Florence, Emma and John C. He was prompt to answer the call for troops at the outbreaking of the Civil War; raised Company H, Seventeenth Indiana Infantry; became Captain of
the company; rose to rank of Major; to Lieutenant-Colonel; resigned while serving as Lieutenant-Colonel, and was afterward appointed Colonel of the First Indiana Congressional District, and in this capacity recruited and organized the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Infantry, and the Tenth Indiana Cavalry. For a good many years after the war he was engaged in the merchandise business at Owensville, and during the last years of his life was engaged in the real estate business and practice of law. He was a prominent leader in the Democratic party, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a wide acquaintance.